WEST DEPTFORD'S SAL FIFE: A BIG YOUNG MAN WITH BIG GOALS
- Al Thompson
- 3 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Just meeting West Deptford center Salvatore Fife, you immediately get the impression this is a young man with big plans and will not allow perceived limitations get in his way of accomplishing those goals.
Fife is an impressive 6-foot-2, 285 pounds of football player. It is obvious his father, Frederick Fife, a NJ State Trooper instilled a work ethic in his son, training-wise, that
Sal has been able to transition into a list of equally impressive acknowledgments as junior player and student:
* All-South Jersey, First Team.
* All-State, 3rd Team.
* Group 2, NJ.com All-Conference, First Team.
* Team Captain
* US Army Bowl National Combine, Frisco, TX,
* GPA 3.8 & Student Athlete Scholar.
Fife has been extended a preferred walk on (PWO) status with Syracuse University but says he has serious interest from Villanova, Army and Navy.
But first things first. Sal Fife says he needs to take care of unfinished business at West Deptford this fall.
The Eagles finished with a 5-5 overall record in 2024, 4-2 in West Jersey - Patriot League play.
Four of those five losses were by six points or less.
Obviously if one play in each of these defeats had gone their way, West Deptford's
season could have been a lot different.
Fife said he and his teammates want to make sure at least some of those plays go their way in 2025.
“Coming into this upcoming year, we've been really big on finishing those games,” Fife said in a recent interview at Adrenaline Sports Performance in Cherry Hill. “A lot of those games we were up and just couldn't finish the game off.
“It's just coming together in those tough moments,” he continued. “As a leader of the offensive line, a lot of people are helping me. It's towards the end of those games, you have to step up and lead and get over the edge.”
Fife said he knows his teammates will be looking at him and how he handles himself during those rough spots.
When an opponent is rallying, his teammates will to him to see how to hold the fort to pull out a win.
It will also show college scouts that he can be counted in at the next level.
His size, 6-2, 285 pounds, is not ideal for the FBS level...at least some people think that. Fife bristles at that perceived limitation.
“I don't think being undersized bothers me at all,” Fife said. “I know my strengths. I don't think size is a weakness with me. I know I have the agility, the strength to play at the next level with anybody, really.”
What attributes help overcome those perceived limitations?
“I think my football IQ is a big part of playing center,” Fife said. “I think my football IQ is pretty good. I think I have a good base, good size. I think that helps me a lot...my size.”
Eagles head coach John Emel talked about his senior leader.
“Sal brings his experience and ability to the field,” Emel said during a recent phone interview. “We know he's a guy that won’t make mistakes.”
Emel, now in his second season at West Deptford, talked about the changes he has seen in Fife since last season.
“I think he took a big step forward last year with his play,” said Emel, who told Footballstories he wants to bring West Deptford back to the standards set by long time head coach Clyde Folsom, who coached the Eagles for 33 years before stepping down in 2017. “This year, [Fife] has made such a commitment to the offseason. He has gone to some of the best trainers in South Jersey to be the best player he can be.”
In addition to Fife, Emel said he will be leaning on running back/defensive backs Zamir Davis & Cole Paskiewicz. Wide receiver Michael Joseph, quarterback Brady Cobb, power back Bryce Wynn.
JASON KELCE IS A BIG SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR FIFE
Fife says he gets a lot of inspiration from a player who, like Fife, everyone thought
was undersized and was able to overcome those obstacles to play at the highest level
.
He revealed that player when asked who is the NFL player he admires most.
“My favorite Philadelphia Eagle is also my favorite NFL Player, Jason Kelce,” Fife said in a follow-up email to Footballstories. “I love Mr. Kelce not only for what he accomplished but what he overcame. “Similar to me at Syracuse, he was a walk-on at the University of Cincinnati.
“Because of his height, he was an underdog and not recruited as a P4 athlete or considered a future NFL player. What he lacked in length, he made up with grit, skill, attitude, and work ethic.”
Fife is a center by trade, but plays both sides of the ball. As a defensive tackle, Fife talked about keys West Deptford will need to turn some of those close losses last season into wins this year.
“I think getting turnovers is big,” Fife said. “Turnovers in games is huge. Also, special teams too.”
Fife is also on the field for extra points and punts.
“I think a lot of times special teams can hurt you trying to win games...and of course turnovers,” he said.
Fife was asked if he has learned any new techniques for when he is on defense.
“I think the biggest thing is strip sacks go to the quarterback's front-side shoulder...punching the ball out..all those kinds of things,” Fife said.
Fife was quick to point out that things will be better offensively because all five starters on the O-line are returning in 2024.
Fife brought up his guys LT Charles Schriver IV, LG Shane Cruz, RG Chris Dunn (“he has a great football IQ”) and RT Nick Cruz.
College? Right now Syracuse is at the top of his list because the Orange play at the highest level of college football.
“Looking at my options,” Fife said. “Syracuse is a great option right now. Villanova, Merchant Marine Academy, Lafayette, Army and Navy are also who I like right now.”
Fife continued with his impressions of the Syracuse coaching staff.
“I feel Syracuse, (head) coach Fran Brown has a lot of trust in me.” Fife said. “OL coach (Dale) Williams,,,camping with him up there. Great football knowledge.”
Ivy League should also be on the list when you look at his GPA after his junior year at West Deptford.
Fife wrote down what his goals are for this season:
1. National Honor Society induction2. Win Group 2 State Championship3. Selected 1st Team All-State Offensive Line.
Who is going to bet against him? *
Some stats taken from MaxPreps.com.
Email Al Thompson at al.thompson@footballstories.com
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